The fact that NCIS is currently the highest rated series today apparently doesn't escape even the powers-that-be. TV Guide reports that Ray Mabus, the US Secretary of the Navy is appearing on NCIS, although he's not playing the Secretary of the Navy, but an NCIS agent. Apparently, Sec. Mabus is a big fan of the CBS procedural, and, judging from the ratings, he's one of a multitude.

The Navy officer is set to appear on the show's Thanksgiving episode called "Child's Play" where Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and the rest of the team hold off Thanksgiving festivities when a dead Marine comes up. The investigation leads them into the life of a 12-year-old prodigy (Madeline Carroll), who may be the killer's next target.

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Why isn't Mabus playing the secretary of the Navy? 24's Jude Ciccolella has already portrayed the secretary in three episodes last season. By no means is this the first time a Navy secretary is making a cameo on NCIS. The previous ones include retiring Director David Brant in season 3 and Director Thomas Betro in season 5.